1990s Old Grand-Dad 86 Proof Review

1990s Old Grand-Dad 86 proof completes the “recent” trinity of 86 proof OGD. I’ve had 1980s Nation Distillers OGD 86, I’ve had early 2000s Beam OGD 86 and now I’m tasting and reviewing the 90s stuff. Beam acquired OGD in ’87 when they acquired National Distillers and since this is from the 90s it’s most likely 100% Beam juice.

I’ve read speculations of Beam mixing some of their whiskey in with some of the ND stuff in the early 90s and I do get a hint of butterscotch in it that always makes me think ND, but I don’t have the bottle to date nor is there any definitive proof, that I can find, that the mixing was done. So take that for what it is and add a bit of salt to it.

Anyways, on to the 1990s Old Grand-Dad 86 proof review!

1990s Old Grand-Dad 86 proof Info

Region: Kentucky, USA

Distiller: Jim Beam
Mashbill: 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Cask: New charred oak
Age: NAS
ABV: 43%

Price: NA – “Dusty” – Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller

1990s Old Grand-Dad 86 proof Review

EYE
Copper

NOSE
Spice, oak, caramel, vanilla, dark fruit, butterscotch and a touch of OBE, biscuits and a bit of earthiness.

PALATE
Spice, caramel, vanilla, oak, dark fruit, butterscotch and a bit of herbal nature, OBE and biscuits.

FINISH
Medium fade of spice, herbal, caramel, oak and OBE.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Ok balance, light body and light feel.

OVERALL
This 1990s Old Grand-Dad 86 proof has a light, almost watery character and ends up coming across as weak but pleasant. Some spice and sweetness across the senses, but ends up being a bit on the boring side and lacks the kick that even the modern bonded has. This is definitely not a whiskey I’d spend a whole lot of time and effort tracking down or paying much for on the secondary. It’s just… ok.

SCORE: 83/100 (B)